Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata), Bill Williams Arm of Lake Havasu, Mohave County

These two Red-throated Loons were discovered by James Smith on 13 January 2012 and were photographed together off Havasu Springs by David Vander Pluym.   Lauren Harter discovered a third individual at this same location on this date.

Red-throated Loon is considered a casual late fall and winter visitor to Arizona, although it has been reported in the state annually for the past few years.

Upturned bill and pale gray head lacking sharp contrast between head, neck and throat typical of first winter Red-throated Loon.

19 January 2013, photo by David Vander Pluym